Marine Project Manager, New Caledonia

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in New Caledonia

Conservation International initiates a project that strengthens sustainable ocean governance, improves marine protection, and enhances climate-resilient livelihoods across the South Pacific.

In New Caledonia, the work focuses on revitalizing coastal ecosystems by integrating community-led fisheries management with customary stewardship and restoration practices.

The project supports coastal communities through comprehensive baseline assessments, the co-design of Coastal Fisheries Improvement Plans (CFIP), and the development of nature-positive, market-linked livelihood opportunities-particularly for women producers. It also pilots an integrated Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework that tracks biodiversity, climate resilience, fisheries performance, and equity outcomes. By building inclusive governance, strengthening value-added coastal supply chains, and aligning with provincial and customary authorities, the initiative helps communities safeguard ecosystems while improving food security and economic resilience.

Conservation International is seeking a Project Manager to coordinate partners and ensure high-quality, coherent implementation across all project components. The role includes leading comprehensive baseline assessments - social, environmental, and financial - in target communities, as well as guiding the co-design of Integrated Coastal Fisheries Improvement Plans (CFIPs) that align with customary management and protection practices. The Project Manager will also oversee implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework, covering climate resilience, biodiversity, fisheries performance, and equity outcomes.

The position will be responsible for conducting livelihood baseline assessments, identifying viable value chains, and facilitating co-designed market partnerships between communities and value-aligned buyers. The Project Manager will coordinate and deliver training in value addition, product quality, financial literacy, and business management, while supporting governance strengthening, tailored business model development, and cross-community learning exchanges.

Finally, the Project Manager will ensure effective coordination with local and regional coastal fisheries stakeholders, and will lead monitoring, evaluation, reporting, adaptive management, and documentation of lessons learned-ultimately contributing to measurable environmental and social benefits for coastal communities in New Caledonia.

The Project Manager will oversee all aspects of the project over the entire project cycle. This includes project planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting on deliverables and project status. He will work to ensure project results meet project standards and project deliverables are completed on time and within budget. They establish the project work plan, including staffing needs, and supervise up to three lower-level employees. Duties are performed under general direction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather, develop, and share project information, action plans, and deliverables with internal and external project stakeholders. Support project bids as assigned.
• Ensure partner/stakeholder standards and interests are represented and incorporated into marine project deliverables. Review for compliance with partner/donor agreements.
• Function as a key project information source and advisor for marine programs in New Caledonia. Represent CI New Caledonia (CI NC) and ensure effective communications and information sharing between all partners and stakeholders.
• Oversee the overall implementation of assigned project(s) in New Caledonia.
• Monitor project progress and provide technical advice on the project's management.
• Identify trends and corrective actions to resolve problems and ensure future project efficiencies. Help identify tools, resources, and training that will facilitate project success.
• Manage the preparation of reporting summaries and project narratives. Collaborate with Center for Oceans, Pacific FMU, and Program finance and operations staff on project financial reporting.
• Manage project staff which may include hiring and managing subcontractors, partner staff, and other non-CI project personnel.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and develop network, partnerships, and collaborations with public and private stakeholders.
• Support fundraising efforts with contacts, concept notes, and proposals.
• Support the development of the CI NC marine program, with a focus on Fisheries Improvement Projects, covering tuna, coastal commercial & coastal community-based fisheries management.

PEOPLE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises up to three lower-level employees and/or contractor/partner staff and support personnel. Does not manage any CI staff directly; this may change as the project scope develops.
• Manages an individual budget, but decisions that bind or commit CI are approved by the immediate supervisor.
• Responsible for managing some public or private funds, monitoring results, and recommending follow-up action. Reviews for understanding and compliance with donor agreements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Periodic travel to the project site and other office locations.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to work outside the normal work schedule to meet project deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's Degree or up to four years of college-level work.
• 4 to 6 years of related work experience in project management, including planning and budgeting.
• Up to 2 years of experience supervising others and managing and motivating multi-cultural teams.
• An understanding of the socio-economic and environmental issues facing developing countries and the local communities is strongly preferred.
• Ability to diagnose problems and identify solutions.
• Strong written communication skills. Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results.

Preferred

• 3 years' experience in New-Caledonian marine projects, in marine resources sustainable management and conservation.
• Strong understanding of New-Caledonian Marine policy and familiar with the ongoing socio-economic dynamics at the country, regional, and global level.
• Experience and skills in marine literature review, marine biodiversity, fisheries monitoring protocols design and implementation, data analysis, GIS, scientific reports writing, aligned to strategic planning.
• Experience in project design, budgeting, and proposal development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, in both French and English.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.